The report highlighted that extensive economic reforms and regulatory updates have created an attractive investment environment, solidifying Egypt's role as a leading pharmaceutical hub in the Middle East and North Africa.
Fitch noted that these reforms have attracted major
international companies, reflecting growing confidence in Egypt's long-term
economic and regulatory stability. A key change was the reduction of drug
registration periods from 3-5 years to just 2-6 months, enabling global firms
to launch products and increase registration applications more quickly.
The report also pointed to Egypt's efforts in promoting
local manufacturing and technology transfer. In 2024, the government secured
€36 million in funding from the European Union to support vaccine production
and scientific research. Additionally, Fitch commended the legal framework for
clinical trials, citing Law No. 214 of 2020 and its executive regulations,
which strengthen ethical oversight and protect participants.
The Fitch analysis also covered Egypt's health and
population achievements. It noted the country's initiatives to address
challenges from population growth and non-communicable diseases through early
detection campaigns. The report also praised Egypt's progress in combating
infectious diseases, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the
country free of malaria, measles, and rubella, and significant strides made
toward eliminating hepatitis C and B.
In the fight against diabetes, Egypt has implemented
national efforts including monitoring and early diagnosis campaigns, updated treatment
guidelines, and the "STEPwise" survey. The distribution of 3,000
HbA1c testing devices to primary healthcare units was also highlighted as a
measure to standardize evidence-based care.
The report noted a significant drop in fertility rates from
3.44 births per woman in 2015 to 2.10 in 2023, attributing the decline to
expanded reproductive health services, higher education levels, and increased
female participation in the workforce.
Regarding cancer, Fitch cited the success of the President's
initiative for the health of Egyptian women, which has logged about 60 million
visits since its launch in 2019. These efforts have led to a 58.9% reduction in
advanced-stage cancer cases, which now represent 29% of all cases. State
funding for cancer treatment has also doubled from EGP 1.8 billion in 2020-2021
to EGP 3.6 billion in 2023-2024, supported by ongoing investment in oncology
infrastructure.
On hepatitis C, the report highlighted that Egypt became the
first country to achieve the WHO's "Golden Tier" status in October
2023, reflecting its commitment to reducing infections and deaths and nearing
complete elimination by 2030.
Finally, the report noted that Egypt has a low prevalence of HIV compared to the region. Free antiretroviral treatment is provided to all patients through a network of specialized government centers, with no reported drug shortages over the past six years, underscoring the sustainability of the country's healthcare system.